Max Iheanachor is the latest example of the Pittsburgh Steelers strengthening their offensive line in the draft. And he’s one of the more intriguing prospects in the entire draft, with only a handful of years of football experience under his belt. But despite being so new to the sport, former Steeler Trai Essex doesn’t think he’s as raw as many suggest. He also thinks Iheanachor could start during his rookie year.
“He’s not that raw. I mean, granted, he’s only been playing at a high level for five years. But in those five years…he became Second Team All-Conference. His ascension has been on that exponential type of curve…he has everything you want in a tackle. Absolutely everything,” Essex said Tuesday on 93.7 The Fan. “I don’t see him sitting at all. [He] and Troy [Fautanu] I think, will be the starting tackles coming into the season.”
Max Iheanachor only started playing football in 2021 at a community college in Los Angeles. Considering that, his rise in college football has been very impressive. Essex spent his final collegiate years at Arizona State, where he had plenty of experience with 31 starts. So while being so new to the sport typically means a prospect would be raw coming into the league, Essex is right that Iheanachor has experience.
There are still things he’ll need to improve, which makes sense considering his novelty to the sport. His feet are quick and athletic, but his overall footwork still needs refining if he’s going to bring more power as a blocker. His hand placement can also be wide, and his general awareness and instincts need improvement.
But he won’t turn 23 until nearly halfway through his rookie season, so he has time to grow. Some consider sitting him at the beginning of the season a good idea and a way to focus on his development. With other options at tackle, including Dylan Cook and Broderick Jones if healthy, that is a possibility.
But Essex isn’t the only one to think that starting Fautanu and Max Iheanachor to begin the year makes sense. In-game reps could also be good for Iheanachor’s development. And Fautanu’s experience at left tackle in college would make that transition easier. We could see plenty of shuffling along the line before the regular season begins. But Essex thinks Iheanachor will be a starter once Week 1 rolls around.